Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Florida

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The LBK Garden Club, established in 1969, is dedicated to promoting gardening and environmental conservation. Each year, they award grants to tax-exempt organizations focused on these areas, with amounts ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars. Applications are due by March 15th, with recipients announced in early April. Grant winners are recognized at the Club’s Annual Meeting on Earth Day. Previous recipients must submit an Annual Report detailing grant usage by March 1st.

The Longboat Key Garden Club offers scholarships to support eligible college students in Florida pursuing degrees in natural or marine sciences. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at enhancing educational experiences for dedicated students. This initiative encourages studies in diverse fields such as Botany, Marine Biology, and Ecology. By investing in future leaders, the Garden Club fosters academic achievement and inspires students to pursue their professional dreams in environmental stewardship.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

The Lake Sumter Lions Club Scholarship supports students from Leesburg High School, Wildwood Middle High School, and The Villages Charter High School, encouraging academic success and community involvement. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and provide documentation of their community service. This scholarship is part of a broader mission by the Educational Foundation of Lake County to enhance public education and empower students to pursue post-secondary opportunities.

The South Carolina Biennial Sea Grant Program, managed by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, aims to enhance coastal conservation and sustainable development through research. With approximately $500,000 available annually for one- to two-year projects, grants typically range from $30,000 to $80,000. The program encourages collaboration among faculty from member institutions and supports initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while conserving marine resources.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aims to preserve green spaces by funding local governments and eligible nonprofits for park and open space acquisitions. This initiative not only enhances outdoor recreation but also supports conservation efforts aligned with local comprehensive plans. A minimum 25% match is required from local governments, while smaller municipalities and nonprofits may have different criteria. Applications are accepted from November 3, 2025, to January 19, 2026.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.

The Humana Foundation offers research grants by invitation only, focusing on health equity and barriers to healthy living. The foundation aims to support organizations that identify scalable solutions addressing emotional connections, nutrition, and chronic disease. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and accredited educational institutions. The foundation prioritizes solution-driven research that benefits communities in Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, while adhering to strict anti-discrimination policies.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and educational initiatives in Florida, with special focus on organizations aiding children and animals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, while grants are not available for political campaigns or individuals. The foundation emphasizes funding for community-driven efforts, ecological projects, and educational institutions, ensuring a broad impact across various sectors.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant Program provides competitive funding from the NOAA to support Florida's coastal counties and municipalities in managing coastal resources effectively. Eligible applicants include local governments, public colleges, and nonprofits, focusing on climate resilience, resource stewardship, public access, and waterfront revitalization. The program aims to enhance community preparedness against natural hazards, promote environmental awareness, and improve coastal infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and protection of Florida's unique coastal ecosystems.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides annual funding through the Invasive Plant Management Section to support research and outreach projects aimed at managing invasive plant species. Eligible projects can include studies on herbicide efficacy, seed bank viability, and the development of biological control methods. Collaboration with other agencies is encouraged, and funding typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, with a maximum administrative overhead of 10%. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Florida's ecosystems.

The Health Equity Innovation Fund, managed by the Humana Foundation, provides seed funding to organizations aimed at reducing health disparities. By focusing on innovative solutions, the Fund supports interventions that improve emotional health and nutrition for underserved populations. Launched in October 2022, it prioritizes high-risk, high-reward projects that can lead to sustainable improvements in health equity across diverse communities.

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. This program encourages innovative projects that promote marketing, research, and accessibility of specialty crops while addressing industry challenges. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and government agencies. The program prioritizes economic benefits, feasibility, and alignment with budgetary constraints, ensuring a positive impact on Florida's agricultural landscape.

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Founded by Ron and Lynne DiMenna, who hope that through education and public engagement, the programs and activities the Foundation supports will sustain the surfing lifestyle and protect Florida’s beaches for generations to come.

The Foundation’s Charitable Mission Is:

• Fund the proposed Surfing’s Evolution Experience™
• Supporting programs and events of likeminded organizations for the benefit of ocean and shoreline health
• Promote education on beach safety
• Support and promote lectures and board sports events
• Promote education and action in coastal pollution and beach ecology
• Provide funding for needed beach enhancements
• Allocate resources for safety needs such as lifeguards on high-risk beaches
• Fund and promote community activities such as beach clean-up events, educational materials, and conservation initiatives

Requests and Grants 

Each year we proudly work with community members, nonprofit organizations and event organizers to support their efforts to maintain healthy, safe, and sustainable coastal beaches in Florida.

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation accepts sponsorship and grant requests for consideration.

Solicitations for Grants and/or Activities

Activities may include beach cleanups, shoreline and eco-system support, conservation initiatives and preservation, beach enhancements, public education programs on beach safety or ecology topics, lifeguard support (high-risk beaches) or surfing history.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Annual Service Leadership Grants

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation is honored to support the Florida District of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs with annual grants for leadership and development training. Please find below information for state administrators.

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation Grants Committee shall review Grant Request and Funding Requests for the next fiscal year annually from the District of Florida Service Leadership Programs.

• The purpose of these funds aligns with the Florida Kiwanis Foundation objectives to support leadership development through support of Kiwanis Service Leadership programs.
• The Grant Request Form is to be completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrator on the appropriate Grant Request Form provided by our Executive Director.
• After completion of the form, the administrator will submit the form to our Foundation Office for distribution to the Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee.
• The Grant Committee Chair and Grants Committee will ensure the current Grant Request Form aligns with the previously presented Funding Request Form projecting required funding for their project and/or program from each Service Leadership Program. Funding Requests Forms are completed by the District of Florida Service Leadership Program Administrators to assist the Florida Kiwanis Foundation assess the projects needs of each program for the next fiscal year. This is a critical element of the Foundation’s budget planning process.

Annual Service Leadership grants vary based on the funding requests submitted by the Service Leadership Program administrators.

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Emergency Grants

The Emergency Grant program is new to the Foundation, established during the 2011-2012 administrative year but based on an older concept that was applied during the time of Hurricane Charley.

The Foundation contributes to the Emergency Fund each year and funds are also collected from private donations designated for “emergency fund” through the year.

In the case of an emergency disaster somewhere in the Florida District of Kiwanis, the Foundation President and the District Governor will meet to confirm the existence of an emergency disaster and then formally declare select areas of the District as a Disaster Area and that funds are available from the Florida Kiwanis Foundation.

Emergency Grant requests shall be sent by club letterhead to the Foundation Office. Maximum requests for funds shall be $2,000.00. Funds will be available until the existing fund is depleted.

The Emergency funds need not be matched by the club and do not need to be for capital improvements. Expenditures for food, clothing, temporary comfort, both physical and emotional are acceptable.